Transistor laser flaunts twin talents

Researchers are striving to create photonic microcircuits that can manipulate photons as deftly as today’s microchips manipulate electrons. Light signals offer the potential for more-efficient information processing. Now, engineers have found a way to extend one of the most advanced capabilities in electronics directly into the photonics realm.

ON TARGET. A new type of transistor, viewed on edge through an infrared camera, puts out both electric and infrared-laser signals.